Absolutely Unforgivable(58)
“Get out of my way.”
Vin set his jaw firmly. “You know I can’t do that, little one.”
“One way or another, I’m leaving this house, Vincent. Either you can come with me or get the hell out of my way.“ I pushed and he stepped aside as I made my way to the door, but he was faster and got there first. He opened it for me and I ducked out under his massive arm.
When we got outside he asked, “Will you at least let me drive?”
I didn’t answer. I just jumped in the driver’s seat and started to put the top down as he groaned and got into the passenger’s seat beside me. I didn’t really know where I was going, just that I had to get out of there.
While we drove around, I started to cry. I thought about Jeromy and how he had treated me lately and then about Billy and how he had all but fallen over himself to care for me. I thought about how Billy always made me breakfast and how he stayed up in his chair reading and watching me sleep at night. I thought about how Billy always watched over me, even before the accident.
I thought about how much Jeromy made me feel like I was just an afterthought. The more I drove the more I began to wonder what kind of future Jeromy and I could really have together. I didn’t want to fault Jeromy for being ambitious and being so good at his job. I know that was wrong of me. But still, I wanted someone who didn’t make me feel second to his job. I wanted someone who didn’t lie to me and take secret trips to Las Vegas. I wanted someone who loved me. Did Jeromy still love me? I needed someone to talk to. I needed Mindy. She would make me feel better. She always seemed to know how to put a smile on my face.
Chapter 13 - All Alone
With Vin in tow I drove over to Mindy’s. She and Bran were getting ready for their gig tonight at Rowdy’s. I asked if she could help me. I wanted to go with her to the bar.
She looked up at Vin to see if he approved but he just shrugged, so she took me into her bathroom to take a shower while she went through her clothes to try and find something for me. In my rush to leave the house I had grabbed the first shoes I could find, which was a pair of black suede platform heels, so Mindy looked around to find something to match then. Before long she came traipsing back into the bathroom with a little black cocktail dress.
“Thank you Mindy. I really do appreciate all of your help. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m glad you are going with us tonight. Now sit down and let me fix you up. I love playing with your hair.”
I sat in front of her oversized mirror doing my makeup while she messed with my hair. I felt consumed by sadness as thoughts of Jeromy leaving for his trip crossed my mind. I also felt confused, angry, and even guilty. I knew he had to go out of town for work sometimes, and I really did understand that was part of his job, but lately he had been distant and I didn’t know why.
Did he not love me anymore? Has he grown bored of me? Did he find someone else? Did he blame the accident on me? Maybe if I hadn’t been dancing around on stage, I wouldn’t have attracted the attention of that crazy man in the first place.
I tried my best to push all of these horrible thoughts out of my head and finish getting ready. It wasn’t easy. I was overwhelmed by my negative emotions and my eyes started to water.
“Please don’t cry, Stacy. I know you are going to miss Jeromy but I also know he is going to miss you too. He loves you. You do know that, right?” I didn’t answer her. I didn’t really know how to. I didn’t know if he loved me anymore and I couldn’t find the strength to lie and say that I did.
When we stepped out of the bathroom Vin was there waiting, with his arms crossed. “Ladies,” he said as he looked us up and down.
“What? Are you going to tell me what I can and can’t wear now too?”
He shook his head and grabbed the keys from the nearby table. “I’m driving this time. I don’t know how we made it over here alive with you behind the wheel.”
“Fine. Whatever. Let’s go, Mindy.” I knew Vin was only trying to lighten the mood but I was still upset from earlier and not in the mood to hear anything any man had to say, no matter who it was. We met up with Bran who was in the living room and concerned by my sudden arrival. I assured him I was okay and pointed back at my bodyguard to let him know that Vin was watching out for me.
When we got to Rowdy’s, Billy was already there helping Travis set up. He took one look at me and ran towards me. My heart surged as he rushed to my side. “Where the hell did you go? Why didn’t you answer your phone when I called you?”